Syzygium buxifolium
StarSyzygium buxifolium
Synonyms: Eugenia sinensis, Eugenia pyxophylla, Syllysium buxifolium, Syzygium buxifolium var. verticillatum, Eugenia somae, Syzygium somae
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In southern China, Syzygium buxifolium is used in folk and traditional Chinese medicine. The roots are used to relieve asthma, strengthen the spleen, drain dampness and promote diuresis, and to disperse blood stasis, swellings and abscesses, while the leaves are used to treat burns, scalds and traumatic swelling and pain (Chinese folk medicine; Syzygium genus review, 2022). The documented diuretic action is reflected in the western property assigned.
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Botanical Description
Syzygium buxifolium (boxleaf eugenia, 赤楠) is an evergreen shrub or small tree of the Myrtaceae, native to southern China (including Hainan and Taiwan), northern Vietnam, the Ryukyu Islands and southern Japan. It has slender, much-branched stems and small, leathery, opposite, box-like obovate to elliptic leaves that are glossy dark green above. Small white flowers with numerous stamens are borne in short terminal or axillary cymes, followed by small, rounded, fleshy berries that ripen blue-black to purple. It is a plant of hill slopes, thickets and open forest, tolerant of poor soils, and is also valued as a bonsai and ornamental subject for its dense, fine foliage.
Active Constituents
Friedelin
Pentacyclic triterpenoid (friedelane)Concentration: Isolated from stem and root
A triterpenoid ketone reported with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity in the wider literature; one of the crystalline substances isolated from the stem and root of the species.
Ursolic acid
Pentacyclic triterpenoid (ursane)Concentration: Isolated from stem and root
A widely distributed triterpenoid with documented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective and antiproliferative activity that contributes to the plant's overall bioactivity.
Oleanolic acid
Pentacyclic triterpenoid (oleanane)Concentration: Isolated from stem and root
An isomer of ursolic acid with hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties commonly found across the Myrtaceae.
Pomolic acid
Pentacyclic triterpenoidConcentration: Isolated from stem and root
An ursane-type triterpenoid acid reported with anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic (antitumour) activity in phytochemical studies.
beta-Sitosterol
PhytosterolConcentration: Isolated from stem and root
A common plant sterol with cholesterol-lowering and mild anti-inflammatory activity; frequently co-isolated as its glucoside (beta-daucosterol).
beta-Daucosterol (sitosterol beta-D-glucoside)
Steryl glycosideConcentration: Isolated from stem and root
The glucoside of beta-sitosterol, a ubiquitous constituent used partly as a phytochemical marker; contributes to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory profile of the extract.
Preparation Methods
Root or stem decoction (folk use)
Parts: Root, Stem, Bark
In southern Chinese folk medicine the root and stem are decocted in water and taken for conditions traditionally framed as 'clearing heat', and for diarrhoea, rheumatic and inflammatory complaints. Documented medicinal use is limited and mostly ethnobotanical; use only under qualified guidance.
Leaf decoction / wash
Parts: Leaves
A decoction of the small leathery leaves is used topically as a wash for skin sores and swellings in regional folk practice. Little formal safety data exist, so patch-test and use conservatively.
References
- Zhang WD, Kong DY, Li HT, et al.. Chemical constituents of the stem and root of Syzygium buxifolium Hook. et Arn. . Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi (China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica) (2001) [DOI]
- Uddin ABMN, Hossain F, Reza ASMA, Nasrin MS, Alam AHMK. Traditional uses, pharmacological activities, and phytochemical constituents of the genus Syzygium: A review . Food Science & Nutrition (2022) [DOI]
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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